Chennai: In what has come as a shock to many, a giant Aldabra tortoise, has gone missing from the Crocodile Park at Mahabalipuram near Chennai.
The tortoise is said to be the second largest in the world, weighing around 80-100 kilograms and estimated to be worth over Rs 15 lakh in the international market.
According to sources, “The theft is suspected to have taken place six weeks ago. The staff of the crocodile park filed a complaint a day later. There are no CCTVs near the enclosure of the animal, which would have helped the accused. The police who are investigating the case, are now reviewing CCTVs on the ECR Road to help narrow down those responsible”.
Special teams have been formed, with officials suspecting insider involvement. “Several staff members are being questioned and their call records are being checked,” added sources.
Following the incident, authorities at the crocodile park stated that the walls of the enclosure housing the reptiles and animals would henceforth be increased in height, and the surveillance cameras inside the premises would be redone.
The Aldabra tortoises are only second in size to the Galapagos. They are the among the longest living animals on Earth with a life span of up to 150 years, can grow over 1.5 metres in length and weigh up to 200 kilograms.